Religion

Degree Options

Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in religion.

Description of Program

A major or minor in religion at Drake University is a study of sacred texts and their interpretation, of theological and ethical reasoning, of the breadth of religious thinking and practice, and of the meaning of the religious quest for a comprehensive understanding of reality. Courses can prepare students for an understanding of the diverse religious traditions of the world, for graduate professional training for ministry, for an active religious life, or for critical reflection on the ways in which human communities experience and describe the sacred.

In addition to the possibilities that the study of religion itself offers, the size of the department affords the luxury of really getting to know our students, offering collaborative learning between faculty and students. The faculty, values time spent with students beyond the classroom, engaging in conversation, mentoring students and building community.

Requirements for Major

33 credits.

Required Courses: Six Courses (18 credits)

Two Traditions courses (East and West)

One Ethics course

One Texts course

One Theory Course

Senior Capstone or Independent Study

Traditions Courses

REL 61 Religions of the Middle East

REL 62 Religions of India

REL 64 Introduction to Buddhism

REL 108 China: The Way of the Sage

REL 109 Islam

REL 110 Judaism

REL 120 Black Christianity and Prophetic Politics

REL 153 Intro to Christian Theology

Ethics Courses

REL 091 Contemporary Ethical Issues

REL 117 Religious Models of Restorative Justice

REL 118 Race, Religion and Civic Culture

Texts Courses

REL 51 New Testament

REL 53 Life and Teachings of Jesus

REL 111 Eastern Philosophy

REL 112 Bible and Qur’an

REL 130 The Global Bible

Theory Courses

REL 121 Comparative Religion

REL 124 Inventing Religion

REL 125 Philosophy of Religion

REL 155 Liberation and Feminist Theologies

Electives Required: Five Courses (15 credits)

Special Notes

No more than 9 hours of <100 level courses may count toward the major.

Other courses from related disciplines (Philosophy, Study of Culture and Society, History) may be counted towards elective credit in the major upon approval of the student’s advisor.